Synthesis and Catalytic Activity of IM-5 Zeolite as Naphtha Cracking Catalyst for Light Olefins: A Review

Abstract

Light olefins are the backbone of modern industrialization. Olefins are used as feedstock for production of various industrial products such as synthetic fibers, construction materials, textiles, rubber and other chemicals in the petrochemical industry. For more than a half-century, steam/thermal hydrocarbon cracking is considered as the main route and conventional process for light olefins yield. Few drawbacks of conventional steam cracking such as extensive energy consumption, requirements of high temperature and pressure conditions, the difficult selectivity of particular light olefins and excess emission of CO2 relate to this technology, which cannot accommodate further needs regarding the chemical process industry. Steam cracking also poses a threat to uncontrolled heat. Catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons is highly appreciated as it is a less energy consuming (low temperature and pressure conditions) and an environment-friendly process for light olefins production. Catalytic cracking has been under consideration as a favorable alternative but still depends upon catalyst, its activity, and selectivity for a particular product. Catalytic cracking is quite beneficial for industrial scale. The present proficiency of refining and petro-chemistry to a great extent is based on highly active, selective, and durable catalysts. Various catalysts possess compositional diversity, surface area, and surface energy and hence provide a different pathway for the reaction to occur. Petroleum-extracted naphtha cracking technique now a days is the main process for light olefins yield. This review highlights the use of IM-5 zeoliteas an emerging catalyst for naphtha cracking process as compared to conventional catalysts in the last few decades. Structure, synthesis techniques and catalytic activity of IM-5 zeolite is reviewed. Different zeolites which can be used in naphtha cracking reactor and their applications in the catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons have been studied. This review provides a significant insight into catalytic activity comparison between conventional zeolites and IM-5 zeolite.